Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are vital components expressed by plants to withstand various abiotic stresses, including dehydration due to drought, cold, and high salinity. These proteins are categorized into seven distinct families, with dehydrin being one of the most extensively studied. Remarkably, LEA genes are ubiquitous, appearing in all plant species, even algae, and their importance in dehydration tolerance has been recognized for over three decades. Genetic experiments have consistently demonstrated that plant growth is severely affected when these proteins are not expressed. Alongside genetic studies, the biochemical and structural attributes of LEA proteins have also been the subject of extensive research. Despite the wealth of studies, a major gap persists in linking the laboratory-based in vitro functions of LEA proteins with their real-world in vivo performances.

This Research Topic aims to publish manuscripts that bridge the divide between the in vitro experiments and in vivo functions of LEA proteins. Numerous in vivo studies highlight how expressing LEA proteins mitigates the detrimental impacts of abiotic stresses. Observed effects include increased plant biomass, reduction in chlorotic damage, and enhanced root elongation. Complementary in vitro studies illustrate other protective roles, such as preventing protein denaturation, reducing membrane vulnerability, and shielding nucleic acids from reactive oxygen species. Despite these findings, research directly connecting these two domains remains scarce.

To gather further insights into bridging laboratory and field studies of LEA proteins, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Specific studies on LEA proteins, including the well-researched dehydrin family

• Instances in which in vivo results hint at underlying in vitro mechanisms

• Novel methodologies for measuring LEA protein function under different conditions

• Comparative analyses of LEA protein functions across different plant species

• Review articles synthesizing current knowledge on LEA proteins and identifying future research directions

We encourage research articles, with the inclusion of one or two comprehensive reviews, to help synthesize what is currently known about LEA proteins.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Bridging In Vitro and In Vivo Functions of LEA Proteins